Piggies Appear To Have Fallen Out

[*kate*]

Hettie and Colin have always got along really well, although Hettie has always been the boss.

There has never been any aggression or the like and they would happily sit munching together.

The past week or so Colin has taken to staying more and more in the hidey which is very unusual for him. We started monitoring them and it appears that on several occasions over the last few days, Hettie is chasing Colin and pulling out some of his fur on his rear.

She also did this a few times when she was with Tilly.

Any ideas why this could be happening and will it stop? Colin is acting very nervous around her which, of course, certainly isn't an ideal situation.

 

[Pawz]

How old are they both? And how long had they been together without issue?

If nothing has changed in their environment and it’s not just down to “teen hormones” then i’d consider having them both vet checked as sometimes dominance issues can flare up if one is unwell.

Have you noticed anything else unusual aside from Colin hiding? Are they both eating and toiletting without pain or issues?

It might just be a “season spike” from Hettie and things may calm down in a few days, just keep an eye on them and make sure there is no blood drawn.

 

[VickiA]

I’d recommend a Vet check as any change in behaviour in an otherwise bonded pair can often augur some kind of health issue. Hope things improve.

 

[*kate*]

They are

How old are they both? And how long had they been together without issue?

If nothing has changed in their environment and it’s not just down to “teen hormones” then i’d consider having them both vet checked as sometimes dominance issues can flare up if one is unwell.

Have you noticed anything else unusual aside from Colin hiding? Are they both eating and toiletting without pain or issues?

It might just be a “season spike” from Hettie and things may calm down in a few days, just keep an eye on them and make sure there is no blood drawn.

Colin is around 3.5 and Hettie around 4.5 years old.

After I had posted I've kept an eye on them and they are fine again! I wondered if it was Hettie's hormones?

 

[*kate*]

I’d recommend a Vet check as any change in behaviour in an otherwise bonded pair can often augur some kind of health issue. Hope things improve.

Yes, I wondered if it was Hettie's hormones gone a bit off? I will keep a close eye over the next couple of days, as they seem to be fine again together, and get a Vets appointment if things go backwards again.